C3 Technology Conference Archdiocese of Los Angeles C3 Cluster Project Workshop
La congress workshop certification 2013
1. 1
National Certification Standards
&
National Certification Process
for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
The Alliance for the Certification
of Lay Ecclesial Ministers
www.lemcertification.org
Presented by
Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale
Ministry Training Source
2. Where are you from and what type of ministry
do you do on behalf of the Church?
Why is this topic of interest to you as a LEM?
What is one thing you hope we discuss?
5. Purpose of Today’s Workshop
Provide an overview of the new national
certification process and national
standards.
Share the context for understanding
national certification by the Alliance
including a brief history and review of
terms.
Answer questions about national
certification.
7. 7
Worthy Goal
“A Culture of Competence”
(Not Certification)
Certification is not an “end”
unto itself, but a means
directed at the “end” of
ensuring faithful, effective and
fruitful ministry with God’s
people.
8. 8
Alliance = Common Purpose
A common approach for assessing
competence for ministry for each of
the following specialized ministries:
Director of Worship (FDLC)
Parish Life Coordinator (NALM)
Pastoral Associate (NALM)
Director of Music Ministries
(NPM)
Parish Catechetical Leader
(NCCL)
Youth Ministry Leader (NFCYM)
Including Pastoral Juvenil Hispana
Diocesan Youth Ministry Leader
(NFCYM) Including Pastoral Juvenil
Hispana
9. 9
National Certification
Standards & Process
Three goals:
1. To give direction to the future of lay
ministry,
2. To recognize and affirm those persons
already in ministry, and
3. To promote faithful, competent, and
accountable lay ecclesial ministry.
10. 10
2nd Decade:
Interorganizational
Collaboration
Evolution of 1st Decade:
Establishing
•1999 Common Certification Standards
Competency Project From 1990 on,
•2003 National national ministry
Certification Standards organizations begin
•2005 Co-Workers in developing
the Vineyard of the certification
Lord standards
•Alliance becomes
official entity
3rd Decade:
Movement into
Certification
2010 Consultation
2011 Approval by
Alliance members &
USCCB/CCA
2012 Begin implementing
certification
11. 11
Structure of Revised Standards
Alignment with Co-Workers
5 Standards 4 Standards (2011)
(2003) (to align with 4 Pillars of
Personal & Spiritual Formation from Co-
Maturity Workers):
Lay Ecclesial Human
Ministry Identity
Catholic Theology Spiritual
Pastoral Praxis Intellectual
Professional Pastoral
Practice
12.
13. 13
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
WITHIN THE STANDARDS
Core competencies reflect
realities and expectations
of ministry in diversity of
cultural communities
Indicators include
examples of competence
from diverse cultural
contexts and settings
Specialized competencies
and distinct portfolio
requirements for Pastoral
Juvenil Hispana
14. Standard One Human: Standard Two Spiritual:
Lay ecclesial ministers demonstrate Sharing in the common
the qualities of human maturity priesthood of all the
needed for fruitful ministry with baptized, a lay ecclesial
the people of God. minister demonstrates
Christian spirituality as
Standard Three Intellectual: foundational to ministry,
A lay ecclesial minister integrated in service with the
demonstrates understanding of people of God, and
the breadth of Catholic possessing a sacramental
theological and pastoral studies view of the world that
as well as the intellectual skill to recognizes the world can be
use that knowledge in ministry
a vessel of God’s presence
with God’s people from diverse
populations and cultures. and God’s transforming
grace.
Standard Four Pastoral:
A lay ecclesial minister demonstrates a range of leadership and
pastoral skills needed for functioning effectively in ministry.
15. What does it mean
to be nationally certified?
(and, what it doesn’t mean!)
16. 16
Certification: Accreditation Certificate:
The process The process A statement that a
whereby a person whereby a duly program or course
demonstrates constituted of studies has
compliance with accrediting body been completed
standards for gives recognition to through
professional education and /or attendance,
competence. service participation or
center/programs fulfillment of
which meet requirements.
established
standards.
17. 17
How does this affect
my relationship with my Bishop?
Co-Workers in the Vineyard
of the Lord describes
authorization as including:
◦ Acknowledgement of
competence )certification)
◦ Appointment to position
(commissioning)
◦ Announcement to the
community
19. Why National
Certification?
“Lay persons who devote
themselves permanently or
temporarily to some special
service of the Church are obliged
to acquire the appropriate
formation which is required to
fulfill their function properly and
to carry it out conscientiously,
zealously, and diligently.”
Code of Canon Law, Canon 231
20. Why National Certification?
Lay ecclesial ministers’ functions of
collaboration with the ordained require of
lay ecclesial ministers a special level of
professional competence and presence
to the community. . . . For these reasons,
their roles often require academic
preparation, certification, credentialing,
and a formation that integrates personal,
spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral
dimensions.”
Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, p. 8
21. 21
Benefits of National Certification
Individual Diocesan National
National credential & Easier, less costly Together is better
acknowledgement of option for offering
Establish national
competence certification
standards of
Potential salary & Portable national excellence
hiring impact credential can aid Build credibility and
local hiring trust for LEM
Enhance confidence processes
and credibility Contribute to the
Tool for advocating development of LEM
Portable national for lay ecclesial within the Church
credential endorsed ministers
by USCCB
23. National Certification Process
Application for admission to
the process
Preparation of materials
Submission of Documentation
for review and decision
24. National Certification Process
Pre-Requisites
1. Education in a field related to one’s
specialized ministry (e.g. bachelor’s
degree or equivalent);
2. Minimum of 3 years full time (6 years
part time) pastoral ministry experience
in that specialized ministry
25. The Application Packet
Membership in Partner Organization (for NFCYM,
NACYML membership is required; NACYML offering
discount for new members applying for certification)
Baptismal Certificate – long form (Evidence of full
communion with the Church)
Three References (one from supervising pastor or
equivalent and two from colleagues)
History of educational background
Ministerial autobiography (3-5 pages)
(Arch)Diocesan verification of satisfaction of child
protection and criminal background requirements
Signed and dated Code of Ethics
Application fee ($95)
28. Preparation of Materials
• Candidates pay candidacy fee
($165) which allows them one
year to submit portfolio (after
one year, a $100 annual
candidacy fee applies)
• Additional fee ($50) applies if
portfolio is submitted in paper
format rather than
electronically
• Begin compiling portfolio…
29. Why is a
portfolio
LEM being used
for
certification?
What will a
certification
portfolio
include?
31. Certification Portfolio:
Documentation of Competence
1. Evidence of formal 3. Testimony /
education and formation for observational evidence
ministry • Pastor (or supervisor)
• Theological education • Peer or colleague
• Specialized education • Subordinate (volunteer
and formation or staff)
2. Evidence of demonstrated • For YML candidates,
competency in ministry in all Diocesan Director
four standards
4. Self-assessment (form
• Compile documentation provided) including
• Create 1-3 page Ministerial Development
summary for each Planning (form provided)
standard 5. Integration Paper
32. 32
Portfolio Requirement Comparison
Evidence of Theological Study
PCL DYML DYML/PJ YML YML / PJH
H
Preferably Preferably Total of 240 clock hours
Master’s Master’s degree; or 12 credits of theological
degree; equivalency study in four (of 7) core
equivalency possible areas; Minimum 120 clock
possible hours when applying with
additional 120 clock hours
(remaining core areas)
completed before 1st
renewal
33. 33
Portfolio Requirement Comparison
Evidence of Specialized Study
PCL DYML YML
120 Hours of Minimum 120 Minimum 90
training and hours of YM hours of YM
formation in and/or PJH and/or PJH
catechesis, training & training &
RE, or formation formation
formation. An PJH: Evidence of study, knowledge
additional 90 and/or skills in: History of Hispanic
hours by ministry in US, USCCB documents
recertification. on Hispanic ministry, etc.
34. 34
Portfolio Requirement Comparison
Demonstration of Competence
PCL DYML or YML YML /
DYML/PJH PJH
Evidence of Overview of 3 month Overview of Overview of 3
successful period in ministry; 3 month month period
leadership in a evidence of two period in in ministry;
catechetical diocesan programs or ministry; evidence of
context (e.g. job projects, one for youth, evidence of two programs
description, one for adults two or projects,
meeting outlines, Outline of sample programs or one for
program presentation that projects that jóvenes, one
brochures. explains the vision and illustrate for jóvenes
implementation of understandi lideres
Catholic youth ministry ng of
and/or PJH comprehens
ive youth
35. Integration Paper 11-15 pages that includes:
• Description of a concrete problem or issue in ministry
(1-2 pages)
• Exposition of material from Scripture, Church
teaching, theology, or other pertinent areas of study
that address this problem/issue (5-6 pages)
• Application of theological/intellectual insights and a
resolution of the issue that reflects sound practice
(3-4 pages)
• Reflection on how one’s formation helped deal with
the issue and challenge one to further growth
(2-3 pages)
36. Submission and Review
of Documentation
PCRC=Partner Certification Review
Committee (members from partner
organization
NCRC=National Certification Review
Committee (consisting of the PCRC
Chairs from each organization)
AC=Alliance Commission (Consisting of
the Executive Directors and Chair
Certification Committee from each
organization
37. Submission and Review
of Documentation
All portfolio materials are compiled
and submitted online on a secure site.
PCRC receives and reviews portfolio, and makes
recommendation for approval based on
Satisfactory documentation of competence relative to
approved standards
PCRC forwards portfolio to the NCRC for
approval; after their review forward to AC
AC renders final decision regarding certification
in the name of the Alliance
38. Congrats you are nationally certified as and
LEM in your specific role!
Certified LEM
38
39. To summarize…
1. Applicant applies to the Alliance Membership
Organization that is certifying the role for which you
seek certification.
2. The portfolio is developed with an advisor’s
assistance.
3. The portfolio is submitted to an organization’s PCRC.
4. Upon PCRC approval, the portfolio and the
recommendation to approve are sent to the NCRC.
5. Upon NCRC approval, the recommendation to
approve goes to the AC for final decision.
6. Upon AC decision the candidate becomes nationally
certified in their role for 7 years and receives
certificate noting this distinction
40. Our Shared Work...
Building a “culture of competence” in lay
ecclesial ministry by advocating for
professional, competent, faithful ministry to
the people of God!
40
41. What can you do to be a part of this
national movement towards a
culture of competence?
Use the standards to develop curriculum
for training and formation for volunteers.
Use standards to articulate your
ministerial role (job description,
performance review, etc. )
Enter the certification process!
Promote certification to others!
41
42. 42
To learn more about and apply
for national certification
www.lemcertification.org
◦ Available for download:
Standards
Indicators
Details about the Certification Process
◦ Applications & portfolios to be submitted
online through this web site
◦ Application deadline May 1st and October 1st
43. Find me on the web:
www.ministrytrainingsource.org
charlotte@ministrytrainingsource.org
What is one thing from this
workshop that you want to
share with your pastor or
another lay ecclesial minister
about national certification?
45. Concluding Prayer
by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
O Lord of the harvest, work out
your will in us, that we might prepare
others to be laborers for your harvest.
Transform us ever more completely into the image of
your Son, that we might call others to ministry as
He called, teach them as he taught, and form them
as He did.
We make this prayer in your most holy name. Amen.
45
47. Presentation Credits
The following persons or groups have contributed to
this slide show in some way:
Kathy Goller, Sean Reynolds and other members from
the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry
Commission.
Sr. Angela Gannon, Mike McMahon, and Rita Thiron,
members from the Alliance PCRC Training committee.
Charlotte McCorquodale with Ministry Training
Source who serves also as a member of the two above
groups (Commission and Training Committee.)
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS PRESENTATION
ELECTRONICALLY.
47
Editor's Notes
Kathy leads We all run the risk of overstating the importance of our work “ this is the most important thing to happen to the church since Pentecost!” That may be the case here, BUT This work truly has enormous ramifications for our field and our organization. The level of collaboration among national organizations is unprecedented.
Charlotte Open up a short audio discussion on why people said yes to being a PCRC member.
Charlotte Note future webinars cover the specifics of the application and the portfolio.
Alliance now has five members, adding FDLC in 2009 Five partner organizations are: NALM: National Association for Lay Ministry NCCL: National Conference of Catechetical Leaders NFCYM: National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry NPM: National Association of Pastoral Musicians FDLC: Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
“ The ministry leaders who developed these standards and procedures did so to contribute to the continuing development and formation of men and women who serve the Catholic Church in the USA as lay ecclesial ministers….(and) a testament to a powerful shared commitment to well-prepared and fruitful lay ecclesial ministry. ” From the NATIONAL CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTERS (p. 3)
These goals imply our core values: Goal 1: In order to give direction, the work has to be relevant Relevance – practicality, usefulness Goal 2: Affirmation (not elitism) Accessibility – regardless of cultural background, geographic location, various starting points Respect for diversity – not only cultural diversity, but diversity of starting points, economic circumstances, etc. Goal 3: Accountability – self-imposed, we are doing this for ourselves We know that not every question has been answered yet . . . We haven ’t even thought of every question yet! But like a compass, these values and goals will continue to guide us as we move forward into uncharted territory. High expectations – help push us in the right direction.
1 st decade – establishing ourselves as professional organizations 2 nd decade – orgs begin to come together. Common Competency Project - NFCYM, NCCL, NALM Those three then worked on common standards (2003) Added NPM in 2005 Partners became official “Alliance” Publication of Co-Workers in 2005 lent added credibility to common standards AND propelled us toward next revision 3 rd decade – move toward certification Natural outgrowth. We weren ’t ready to take on certification in 90s Standards are meant for action This is next natural step Charlotte What does this history tell us? Two things, first it is evolving. Accreditation and Certification Processes have that built into the system. Any organization with certification standards approved by the USCCB?CCA is required to have a review of their standards every 7 years. Why? Understanding that the context of the ministerial roles are changing as well which may require standards to change. Think about how different some aspects of ministry has changed in the past 20 years, before the internet, before all the downsizing, now multiple parish ministries is a reality for more and more LEMS. Plus our knowledge of the work has evolved. I had the privilege of serving as chair of the NFCYM’s certification committee writing our first set of standards in the late 80’s. our first set of standards were so unrealistic that we joke that Jesus would have had a hard time being certified. When I think back to those standards and now to the ones will will look at today the evolution is tremendous. Second it tells us that slowly, pastoral ministry organizations have come to value having standards for their ministry area and that working collaboratively makes the most sense, especially in a church that has a workforce of slashers, you know the type DRE/Youth Minister/Minister to the homebound, etc. The need for a common set of standards has been justified by the realities we are facing as a Church. Work has begun to include even more organizations and to make the Common Competencies for lay ecclesial ministers more comprehensive. Actually the history spans more than 20 years if we consider national ministry certifications, I feel like I am sharing with you a Paul Harvey moment, now for the rest of the story… In many ways this whole process stands on the shoulders of chaplaincy certifications (hospital, veterans, airport, etc. since the current USCCB/CCA board traces its root back to the Board of Examiners who originally accredited CPE programs and certified hospital chaplains. When I presented the NFCYM standards to the then USCC CCA they couldn't’ t understand why we wanted standards approved but didn't ’ t want to do use them for national certification. It was simple we weren't ready and it has taken us all of these twenty years to become ready, especially joining with the other national organizations to form the Alliance that has given birth to the work we will discuss in today ’ s webinar. Bob is going to share with us more of the recent history of this work and about the alliance that has formed to share in the vision and work of national certification.
Charlotte The structure of the national standards is that they move from broad and general to more and more specific and measurable. The first part of the common standards apply to all lay ecclesial ministers serving in these roles followed by specialized competencies and indicators that are role specific. This structure was true for both the current set of standards and the revised set with the addition of the indicators in this newest version. Briefly highlight the major aspects of the revision of the standards. Core standards and competencies page 19 Specialized competencies on page 24 Indicators on page 58
Charlotte
Charlotte Demonstration of competence
Make the point that certification is not a certificate. National certification is different than a national certificate (education) program. This does not take the place of your formation program. This builds on training and gives a lay ecclesial minister a chance to show how they can take what they learn in formation and training programs and actually USE it in ministry – certification is about demonstrating competence. And only PROGRAMS get accredited!
Note: Dioceses without certification may use/honor national certification as they wish. National certification does not automatically qualify a person for ministry in every diocese in the country. Local ordinary is responsible for AUTHORIZATION which may include a certification process. Authority of the local ordinary/diocese supersedes Alliance (national certification exists to serve them)
Why certification? Canon Law calls us to appropriate formation . . . How do we know if someone is appropriately formed?
Co-Workers provides more support.
Individual: Salary: don ’t laugh – while perhaps not immediately, over time certification can likely have a positive impact on salaries For diocesan leaders, a reason for US to be certified is our own credibility with our local ministers. Diocesan: Save time and money: Developing own certification procedures requires major investment of resources and high degree of interdepartmental collaboration Using national process saves an office loads of time, money and headaches Having a certification process available and used by your people can help you advocate for your people, the need for qualified, competent people, for salaries, for continuing education budgets, etc. *Liability – does this open us up to increased liability? Risk management experts believe this actually protects a diocese more. Shows that diocese does due diligence. *National certification is meant to be a help and service to a diocese – not to supersede diocesan policies. National: Creating a national credential will build credibility and trust for lay ecclesial ministry Contribute to dev ’t of LEM: Bishops are counting on us to do this – we are the only ones who can
Pre-requisites to qualify: Education in a field related to your specialization (eg. Bachelor ’s degree or equivalent) Minimum of 3 years full time or 6 years part time pastoral ministry experience in your specialized ministry (ie. youth ministry)
The application includes: References (supervisor and two colleagues) Ministerial autobiography Other standard information: Evidence of full communion Education/formation history Evidence of ministry experience Evidence of clean criminal background Application fee
Assuming the applicant is approved, he/she becomes a candidate for certification. Step 2 is the heart of the matter – preparing the materials. (notice we stress that it ’s a certification process – the process is the most important part. You will be assisted by an advisor – never swim alone! Upon acceptance as a candidate, you will conduct a self-assessment to determine your strengths, qualifications, challenges and weaknesses in relation to the certification standards. The self-assessment also includes a checklist of elements to be included in the certification portfolio to determine which have been completed and which remain to be fulfilled. If appropriate, the candidate then draws up a plan for completion of all components in the certification portfolio. Portfolios basically consist of: Testimony (from self and others) Evidence of successful academic study Demonstration of ability Integration paper 1. Cover letter – same for all 2. All initial application materials – same for all 3. Written assessments – similar for all (candidate, supervisor, peer, subordinate, sometimes diocesan director) 4. Evidence of theological study 5. Evidence of specialized study 6. Demonstration of competence 7. Integration paper – same for all Requirements vary for each partner
Assuming the applicant is approved, he/she becomes a candidate for certification. Step 2 is the heart of the matter – preparing the materials. (notice we stress that it ’s a certification process – the process is the most important part. You will be assisted by an advisor – never swim alone! Upon acceptance as a candidate, you will conduct a self-assessment to determine your strengths, qualifications, challenges and weaknesses in relation to the certification standards. The self-assessment also includes a checklist of elements to be included in the certification portfolio to determine which have been completed and which remain to be fulfilled. If appropriate, the candidate then draws up a plan for completion of all components in the certification portfolio. Portfolios basically consist of: Testimony (from self and others) Evidence of successful academic study Demonstration of ability Integration paper 1. Cover letter – same for all 2. All initial application materials – same for all 3. Written assessments – similar for all (candidate, supervisor, peer, subordinate, sometimes diocesan director) 4. Evidence of theological study 5. Evidence of specialized study 6. Demonstration of competence 7. Integration paper – same for all Requirements vary for each partner
Why portfolio? Because competence can be demonstrated in so many different ways Like an artist ’s portfolio, it shows the breadth and depth of a person’s ministry All online, website is currently under construction. The certification portfolio is a collection of documents assembled by the candidate that provides various types of evidence of one’s competence for a particular lay ecclesial ministry. Based on the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers, the portfolio includes several different ways by which the candidate can demonstrate his or her competence, including: testimony , in the form of assessments provided by the candidate, a supervisor, a peer in ministry, and a subordinate; evidence of successful academic study in theology, pastoral ministry, and other fields appropriate to each ministry, or other methods (equivalencies) that manifest competence in these areas of study; demonstration of ability in one’s own particular ministerial specialization, such as a project, program description, or recital; integration paper that shows the candidate’s ability to approach ministry in a way that includes one’s personal, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and specialized competencies. The task group developed a portfolio structure that includes a number of common elements. Within that common structure, each organization has also specified elements particular to individual ministries. For example, while specifying the number of hours of course work expected in theology, pastoral ministry, and other areas of intellectual formation, each organization has also provided for equivalencies—various ways that intellectual competence may be demonstrated.
Assuming the applicant is approved, he/she becomes a candidate for certification. Step 2 is the heart of the matter – preparing the materials. (notice we stress that it ’s a certification process – the process is the most important part. You will be assisted by an advisor – never swim alone! Upon acceptance as a candidate, you will conduct a self-assessment to determine your strengths, qualifications, challenges and weaknesses in relation to the certification standards. The self-assessment also includes a checklist of elements to be included in the certification portfolio to determine which have been completed and which remain to be fulfilled. If appropriate, the candidate then draws up a plan for completion of all components in the certification portfolio. Portfolios basically consist of: Testimony (from self and others) Evidence of successful academic study Demonstration of ability Integration paper 1. Cover letter – same for all 2. All initial application materials – same for all 3. Written assessments – similar for all (candidate, supervisor, peer, subordinate, sometimes diocesan director) 4. Evidence of theological study 5. Evidence of specialized study 6. Demonstration of competence 7. Integration paper – same for all Requirements vary for each partner
Study must be in at least four of the core disciplines equivalencies: examination, research paper, lecture, demonstration or other method approved
For certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister serving as a Youth Ministry Leader, including Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, Must show Evidence of study, knowledge and/or skills in history of Hispanic ministry, USCCB documents on Hispanic ministry, Hispanic leadership and cultural competency, and formation-in-action processes where principles of PJH are applied.
Assuming the applicant is approved, he/she becomes a candidate for certification. Step 2 is the heart of the matter – preparing the materials. (notice we stress that it ’s a certification process – the process is the most important part. You will be assisted by an advisor – never swim alone! Upon acceptance as a candidate, you will conduct a self-assessment to determine your strengths, qualifications, challenges and weaknesses in relation to the certification standards. The self-assessment also includes a checklist of elements to be included in the certification portfolio to determine which have been completed and which remain to be fulfilled. If appropriate, the candidate then draws up a plan for completion of all components in the certification portfolio. Portfolios basically consist of: Testimony (from self and others) Evidence of successful academic study Demonstration of ability Integration paper 1. Cover letter – same for all 2. All initial application materials – same for all 3. Written assessments – similar for all (candidate, supervisor, peer, subordinate, sometimes diocesan director) 4. Evidence of theological study 5. Evidence of specialized study 6. Demonstration of competence 7. Integration paper – same for all Requirements vary for each partner
Since certification is granted by the Alliance, there are three levels of approval. There is an appeals process for applications that are denied certification. Certification is granted for 7 years, then there is a renewal process.
Since certification is granted by the Alliance, there are three levels of approval. There is an appeals process for applications that are denied certification. Certification is granted for 7 years, then there is a renewal process.
Charlotte & Sean
As you look at the little children on the tree, which one represents your perspective on national certification?
